Domestic Violence

Information

When you visit webpages, their addresses are stored in files on your computer. If your abuser wants to see which websites you've been to, all they need to do is look at those files.

To stop them doing this, the safest thing would be to use a computer they don't have access to - at a local library, at a friend's house or at work.

If you do use your own computer:

• delete all Temporary Internet files from your computer
• delete all the links in your History folder

To do this when using Internet Explorer:

• Click on Tools
• Click on Delete Browsing History.
• At the bottom of the Delete Browsing History window, click on  Delete All.
• This will delete all of your browsing history components (temporary Internet files, cookies, history, form data, and passwords).
• Click on Yes when asked if you're sure you want to delete all.
• For extra security you can also tick the box to delete files and settings stored by add-ons.
  

To do this when using Chrome:

• Click the wrench (spanner) icon on the browser toolbar.
• Select Tools.
• Select Clear Browsing Data.
• In the dialog that appears, select the Clear Browsing History checkbox.
• Use the menu at the top to select the amount of data you want to delete. Select Beginning of Time to clear your entire browsing history.
• Click Clear Browsing Data.

To do this when using Firefox:

• Click on Tools
• Click on Clear Recent History
  
• Select all the tick boxes
• Choose a time range to clear.
  
• Click on Clear Now

To do this when using AOL:

• On the AOL Browser window, click the Security menu, then click Clear My Footprints.
• Click the Clear Footprints button.
• Click the OK button.
  

Email

If your abuser has access to your email account, they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing email. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password that they will not be able to guess.

The safest option is to use a webmail service, instead of having email delivered to your computer. You can start a webmail account using a service like Gmail or Hotmail which let you read your email  on a website after entering your user name and password.

If you use a webmail account, take care NOT to tick the box offering to save your password or to remember you. Keep your password secret and make sure you log out when you have finished sending or reading mail. You should also clear your browser history afterwards (see above).

If your abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, print and save them as evidence.